Inflation remained stubbornly above target last month, as a rise in the cost
of books, digital cameras and car insurance offset lower inflation for fuel,
sofas and armchairs.

Consumer prices inflation stood at 2.8 per cent in March, the same as in
February, and its highest level since May last year.

The Office for National Statistics said that inflation had stabilised over the
past six months, having stood at 2.7 per cent for four months. The ONS
figures were in line with economists’ expectations.

The retail prices index, which is used as the benchmark for many wage deals,
rose to